HomeMy WebLinkAbout1899 Designating June 19th as "Juneteenth Independence Day" in Recognition of June 19, 1865BILL NO. 2023-009 ORDINANCE NO. / 29 l
AN ORDINANCE DESIGNATING JUNE 19TH AS "JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE
DAY" IN RECOGNITION OF JUNE 19, 1865, THE DATE ON WHICH NEWS OF THE
END OF SLAVERY REACHED THE SLAVES IN THE SOUTHWESTERN STATES.
WHEREAS, news of the end of slavery did not reach the frontier areas of the United
States until months after the conclusion of the Civil War, more than 21/2 years after President
Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863; and
WHEREAS, on June 19, 1865, Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger,
arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War had ended and the enslaved were free;
and
WHEREAS, African Americans who had been slaves in the Southwest celebrated June
19, commonly known as "Juneteenth Independence Day", as inspiration and encouragement for
future generations; and
WHEREAS, African Americans from the Southwest have continued the tradition of
observing Juneteenth Independence Day for more than 150 years; and
WHEREAS, Juneteenth Independence Day began as a holiday in the State of Texas and
is now celebrated in 48 States, including Missouri, and the District of Columbia as a special day
of observance in recognition of the emancipation of all slaves in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Juneteenth Independence Day celebrations have been held to honor
African -American freedom while encouraging self -development and respect for all cultures; and
WHEREAS, the faith and strength of character demonstrated by former slaves and the
descendants of former slaves remain an example for all people of the United States, regardless of
background, religion, or race; and
WHEREAS, slavery was not officially abolished until the ratification of the 13th
Amendment to the Constitution of the United States in December 1865; and
WHEREAS, over the course of its history, the United States has grown into a symbol of
democracy and freedom around the world.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE
CITY OF RIVERSIDE, MISSOURI AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. That the Board of Aldermen hereby approves declaring Juneteenth Independence
Day (June 19) as an observed public holiday beginning in 2023 in the City Riverside, Missouri.
Section 2. That the City's Employee Handbook be amended to add Juneteenth Independence
Day as an observed public holiday.
Section 3. That this ordinance is effective immediately upon its passage and approval.
BE IT REMEMBERED that the above was read two times by heading only, PASSED AND
APPROVED by a majority of the Board of Aldermen and APPROVED by the Mayor of the
City of Riverside this A/ Sr day of rE6 ittLA ,may 2023.
Mayor athleen L. Rose
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Robin Kinca1d, City Clerk